Around Town Magazine Rayleigh January Edition 2019

H L E I G R AY N T I O E D I 6 2

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Flat Roofing Guaranteed for Life Advertorial

Around 70% of homes in the UK incorporate a mineral felt flat roof.

Mineral felt generally has a slow breakdown often allowing water ingress to cause unnecessary damage before anything can be visibly detected within the home.

A failing roof & the warning signs - Look for signs of cracking around the roof edge, pipes, upstands and roof lights etc. Beware of blisters on the roof surface, during colder months they can become brittle and crack.

Felt will attract moss and algae further degrading the roof surface.

IMPORTANT: - ALL PROPERTY OWNERS PLEASE BE AWARE When a flat roof is replaced there are Part L Building Regulations that the homeowner and the contractor must comply with.

Please call for free information regarding the Part L Law. The home-owner should also be made aware that insurance companies will no longer accept any liability for any external or internal damage caused by a leaking flat roof which is over 10 years old.

In 1999, High-Tech Roofing first introduced the most advanced flat roof technology to the

The Problem

homeowner. Protan, based in Norway, has a pedigree in the design and manufacture of water - proofing materials dating back to 1939, and producing the first roofing membrane in 1971. Protan is our preferred PVC single-ply flat roofing system and will cope with all climates, millions of square meters are installed here and abroad with a proven track record stretching over four decades.

Protan is predominantly an architectspecified roofing system, winning many awards serving the very competitive commercial sector.

The Solution

A High-Tech roof is dimensionally stable and solar reflective, the material is unaffected by climate change and 100% resistant to moss &

algae growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing.

As it is vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack.

High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak.

Let there be natural light

Many of our clients are requesting skylights and roof lanterns to be installed in conjunction with our roofing system. We offer a huge range of style and are all made to measure complementing any home.

High-Tech will carry out all structural works along with all external and internal finishing works.

High-Tech can turn an extension or an ageing conservatory into a stunning thermally efficient orangery compliant with Building Regulation.

Make a Difference Become a Thurrock foster carer – a child needs you

Thurrock Fostering are looking for more people to become carers We are looking for new or experienced foster carers to join us at Thurrock Fostering.

If you have been thinking about fostering for a while or are an existing carer looking for new challenges and experiences, come along to one of our events to find out more. You do not have to live in Thurrock to be a foster carer for us.

thurrock.gov.uk/fostering Freephone 0800 652 1256 facebook.com/thurrockfostering

Join us for a chat and find out more about fostering Saturday 12 January – Open Morning 10.30am to 12.30pm, Corringham Library, St Johns Way, Corringham SS17 7LJ Thursday 24 January, Wednesday 13 February and Tuesday 12 March – Drop-in Information Session 10am to 10pm, Intu Lakeside, outside M&S Level 2 Wednesday 6 February – Open Evening 6pm to 8pm, Benfleet Conservative Club, Cunnington House, 69 High Street, Benfleet SS7 1NA Saturday 23 March – Open Morning 9.30am to 12.30pm, La Salette Cottage Hall, 1 Rainham Road, Rainham RM13 8SP

CONTENTS 08 10 16 20

Nature Notes of the Mill Meadows Society

Mark Francois Political Update

James Blower The Savings Guru

Rotary Club / Lions Club Organisations Around Town

22

What’s On

22

Useful Numbers

When and Where...

With the Christmas and New Year break just a memory, we are back in the swing of things here at Around Town Magazines!

Soon it will be Valentine’s Day so don’t forget to spoil the one you love on February 14th.

We are very grateful to each one of our advertisers and ask that you support them whenever you can. When contacting an advertiser please let them know that you found them in Around Town Rayleigh.

Don’t forget that if you would like to supply us with editorial, please get in touch!

From everyone at Around Town Magazines

H L E I G R AY

Copyright 2019. Around Town Billericay is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in Around Town do not necessarily represent those of the editors of Around Town Magazines. Around Town Magazines are published by Black Square Print Media Ltd produced by Black Square Litho Ltd.

Advertise in Around Town Magazines to put your name infront of homes and businesses in Rayleigh and the surrounding area

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Nature Notes Written by Neil Sumner

Neilsumner123@aol.com twitter.com/neilsumner123

January is traditionally a time to make resolutions so why not make two for wildlife? The first could be selfindulgent: you resolve to see a species of wildlife you have not seen before, locally if possible. Perhaps a Water Vole, a Slow Worm, any species of butterfly, or to watch for bat at dusk? Or perhaps a Treecreeper scurrying up gnarled bark in ancient woodland.

The second resolution is to make a difference. This could be big or small, depending on how much time you are willing and able to give. You don’t have to be an expert but might want to get a little bit of advice. If you have a garden, how about putting in a pond, a bug hotel or just some bee-friendly plants? Perhaps put up a feeder and enjoy some armchair bird-watching? Maybe join a local work party or local committee, or become a Tree Warden. Or write to your MP about local issues affecting wildlife. Or resolve to share your wildlife sightings on the Essex Records database (http://www.essexwtrecords. org.uk/online), so that they contribute to the overall picture of how our wildlife is doing.

We are having a mild spell as I write. Robins and Song

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» » » » »

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Thrushes are singing, Starlings whistling, House Sparrows are lining the nest box and a Buff-tailed Bumblebee has appeared in the garden. But the weather may cool many times between now and spring and then survival will be the main goal for wildlife. Late winters are most diffcult as natural food crops have been depleted. or us, it’s easier to see birds and some mammals in a snowy or frosty landscape when they are looking for food but mild days, especially in the afternoon, can be quiet. Then patience is needed – or you can simply enjoy looking at the trees or open skies.

I believe that most humans have an evolved tendency to enjoy nature to some degree and that this should be nurtured by education. We should all be taught and reminded how we are dependant on the natural world for our health and economy. And for our well-being. My view from the ‘offce’ i s m ainly o f brick and tiles but there is a cherry tree being visited by Goldfinches and that little bit of nature uplifts the spirits.

When I worked full time I listened for birds on the railway platform or diverted my commute through a London park.

This is my last Nature Notes column. I’d like to thank AroundTown for allowing me to write this. And I’d like to thank all of you who have taken the time to read it. I’d be pleased to be contacted – especially if you want advice on either of your resolutions, perhaps where you can see your new wildlife species. Happy New Year and please take time to enjoy and help your local wildlife.

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Minister, Theresa May presented to Parliament.

I have received over 800 emails, from my constituents and indeed from people all over the country regarding the Brexit negotiations, and I have read through every one. The bulk of these were opposed to the agreement, although there were a sizeable minority who wanted to approve it.

MARK FRANCOIS Conservative Parliamentary MP for Rayleigh & Wickford

In my last article, I wrote in detail about my decision to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement (which is based essentially on the Chequers deal) that the Prime

On 15th January 2019, when it was put to Parliament, the Government lost the Meaningful Vote by 432 votes to 202, the largest ever Government defeat in the history of Parliament. This was the first time in my 18 years as an MP that I have ever voted against my party but I strongly believe that the Chequers Deal would represent Parliament

surrendering to Europe and I could not, in all conscience, support the deal.

As this article is being written events are still evolving in the House of Commons and it is possible that we will have to vote on some variant of the Treaty again in the future. I believe that the British people gave us a clear instruction in 2016 that we must leave the European Union and I will continue to do all in my power to honour that instruction, because I fear to do otherwise would seriously undermine the faith of the British people in the democratic process in this country which we have fought down the centuries to maintain.

Finally, I will reply to every email or letter personally, once the way ahead on this has been finally clarified.

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13

ITS OK CAMPAIGN The Story of Dawn Wood - It’s OK Campaign Founder

D

o you know what the hardest thing about this journey is, that you can’t explain to people why you feel the way you do. It’s hard to tell someone, anyone that you can’t cope, that you need help, that you feel alone, even as far as to say that you don’t want to be here anymore. Even when you have the most amazing people around you. That’s the hardest, because to everyone else, you have everything, but inside you feel you have nothing.

When you don’t understand what is going on in your own head, how are you possibly meant to make someone else understand?

I started suffering with my mental health when my mum and dad broke up. Now this was years ago, I was 21 and people would think you would be old enough to understand it. But I wasn’t. I struggled for years and years. Counselling, doctors appointments and a ton of medications later I started feeling relatively back to “normal” years go by and I think life is going great!!

Then 2017 arrived. I had to watch my brother and his girlfriend go through their toughest time losing their baby boy, then have to explain to their 5 year old son why his baby brother wasn’t coming home. My cousin then attempted suicide... Weeks later my relationship broke down after 10 long years together. I lost my boyfriend and best friend in one day. My ride or die...

A break up is bad enough but having already been through a tough few weeks I just couldn’t cope anymore. I shut out all my friends and family. My closest most loyal friends became strangers. I was signed off from work with severe depression and anxiety. Anxious that everyone was talking about me and my break up. Not wanting to be out where someone could see me and ask how I was or how my “boyfriend” was then having to explain everything. It was just too much. I spent all my time with one friend and her absolutely amazing family, every single day for almost 6 months. Barely leaving my house unless it was to go there or to the doctors.

I lost 3 stone in weight, my hair fell out, skin was terrible and my IBD was the worst it had ever been.

I felt so alone, so betrayed and scared. Now being 29 years old (at the time) and having already been in a relationship for 10 years I thought my life was

planned out. Living with my boyfriend, kids and a lovely house with a dog! Instead I was 29, newly single, depressed with almost every single friend of mine pregnant (all absolutely gorgeous babies may I add) this in itself was a struggle and looking back now probably some of the hardest conversations I’ve probably ever had to have with my friends. Regardless of how I was feeling inside, I was so happy by the news they shared one by one. Even if my face didn’t look like it.

Anyway I could go on and on but I won’t - countless doctors appointments, tons of counseling, meds and the odd tantrum I started feeling back to myself beginning of this year. It’s taken me over a year to finally feel like me again and although I hate the thought of taking tablets to help me the truth is if I had a issue with my liver or kidney I wouldn’t refuse medication because I know I need it - therefore I just need to remember that my brain needs this medication. I’m lucky that I am now strong enough to openly talk about my past experiences, hoping that I can help someone at some point in the future. I’ve started university this year to study psychology, I have a great job that’s allowed me to go on all types of mental health training, I’m running a work stream with an amazing colleague of mine (that’s helped me through the last 12-14 months) to promote physical and mental wellbeing within the corporate workplace.

I have amazing friends and their gorgeous babies, the best work colleagues a girl could ask for and so much to look forward to over the next 18 months.

Weddings, more babies and uni.

So with that in mind, please reach out to someone, anyone of you ever feel down, depressed or anxious. To everyone else, be careful what you say to people. What you see their lives to be may not be the full picture. People only let you see what they want you to. The rest is their secret. Be mindful of how to talk to someone, you just don’t know what they might be going through.

Tough times don’t last, tough people do. #mentalhealthawareness #1in4

Savings Roundup The start of 2019 will undoubtedly see many commit to New Year Resolutions. A recent survey from Inc.com found the following Resolutions to be the most popular: 1. Diet or eat healthier (71%) 2. Exercise more (65%) 3. Lose weight (54%) 4. Save more and spend less (32%) 5. Learn a new skill or hobby (26%) The only surprise to me was that changing job wasn’t in the top five (it was 7th) but diet, exercise and saving money are perennials on many a resolution list. Given this, I’ve pulled together my six savings tips to help you in 2019.

1) Pay off debts first If you have credit cards, store cards, loans, overdrafts or other expensive forms of borrowing then focus on repaying these first.

Banking is fundamentally simple – banks make money by lending the savings from savers to borrowers at a higher rate than they pay to savers. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases, lending will cost more than savings.

Paying debt off will be more financially rewarding.

The only exception to this principle is a mortgage – otherwise, focus on paying off debts first. Pay off the most expensive debt first. I often see people focusing on clearing the smallest debt first but paying off the most expensive will save you more in interest costs in the long term.

2) Saving is a habit – start the habit!

Like much in life, savings is a habit, so start forming that habit. One of

16

the best ways to start the saving habit is to set up a regular savings account. Not only that, it is one of the most financially rewarding as interest rates on regular savings are much higher than those on easy access accounts and even five year fixed rate bonds. If you bank with First Direct, HSBC, or M&S, you will get 5% for paying in between £25 - £300 per month. Customers of Nationwide get 5% on sums from £1 - £250 per month Essex based Saffron Building Society pays 3.50% on amounts from £10 £200 per month and accounts can be opened and run in their branches across the county or via post. For those who prefer to bank online, or who want to save smaller sums, Virgin Money pas 3% on amounts from £1 - £250 per month.

switching (and wins almost all banking customer service awards) and gives a free £250 overdraft.

Switchers to HSBC’s Advance account get £150 and those moving to M&S get £100 gift card plus another £80 gift card after 1 Year.

Halifax pays £50 straight away, £85 after 6 months and £2 per month – so £159 in total by the end of the first year.

With the government introduced Current Account Switching Guarantee, your new bank takes care of closing your old account, moving your balance and switching all your payments so you don’t have to worry about transferring all your bills. You even pick your own switch date! Over 4 million have switched so far.

Another great habit is to put a penny away on 1st January and then increase this by a penny every day e.g. 2p on 2nd January, 3p on 3rd January etc. Do this every day by the end of the year and your final contribution of £3.65 will give you a balance of £667.95 for the year (plus any interest that you earn)

4) Check the interest rate on your savings Around 75% of the UK population keep their savings with their current account provider. This is often not the most rewarding place to hold your savings with many of the high street banks paying interest rates of 0.1% to 0.5% on their savings accounts.

3) Maximise your current account It can be a challenge to save at times. However, almost all of us have money in our current account at some stage of the month.

Nationwide pays its customers 5% on the first £2,500 held in a current account with them and Tesco Bank pays 3% on sums up to £3,000.

This is a great chance to earn money by doing nothing!

The best paying easy access accounts (those which don’t require any notice to get your money out) pay 1.50%. Marcus (part of Goldman Sachs), Virgin Money and West Brom Building Society all pay this rate. Sainsburys Bank pay 1.45% and Essex based banks Ford Money (1.42%) and Shawbrook (1.40%) have been stalwarts of our best buy tables.

Banks will pay you to switch to them. First Direct pays £125 for

In fact, there are a dozen banks paying 1.40% or more on easy

access savings with minimum opening balances from £1, there’s plenty of choice. If your savings aren’t paying you a competitive rate – switch!

5) Buy Premium Bonds instead of Lottery tickets Premium Bonds have an annual prize fund of 1.40% - very competitive compared to the best easy access accounts. They are government backed so 100% safe and you can invest from £100. There’s a prize draw every month with 2 £1m prizes, 5 x £100,000 prizes and a range of prizes down to £25.

The great thing about Premium Bonds is, unlike the National Lottery, you get your money back. If you like the chance to win big but want to keep your money, take a look at Premium Bonds. Over £91m of prizes were paid out in December 2018.

6) Make sure your money is protected The government offers a protection scheme which guarantees savers deposits if your financial services provider fails. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects deposits up to £85,000 per person, per bank, building society or credit union and up to £170,000 for joint accounts. 96% of UK savings and current accounts are FSCS protected – for free.

If you are unsure whether your savings are covered, there is a handy tool on their website www.fscs.org.uk which will tell you.

What are the best rates currently?

The savings market does move quickly, so we always recommend that you check our website for the latest rates. At time of print, our best personal savings rates are:

James Blower Founder Savings Guru Ltd

www.thesavings.guru

Terms

Interest Rate

Provider

hello@thesavings.guru

Instant Savings

1.50%

Marcus, Virgin Money and West Brom

@SavingsGuruUK

Notice

1.87%

Gatehouse Bank

1 Year

2.10%

Gatehouse Bank

18 Month

2.25%

Bank of London & Middle East

2 Year

2.35%

Investec Bank

3 Year

2.42%

Al Rayan Bank

4 Year

2.50%

Vanquis Bank and Union Bank of India

2.70%

Atom, Bank of London & Middle East and Vanquis Bank

5 Year

This article is reproduced on our website www.thesavings. guru, with links to all the accounts and providers mentioned.

Good luck with your New Year Resolutions and have a great month.

17

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19

ROTARY CLUB OF RAYLEIGH MILL Apart from our normal Committee Meeting and Business Meeting evenings on the first two As is usual in December much of the month is given over to festive celebrations and the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, in common with many other clubs and societies, enjoys the Christmas season.

The festivities commenced early on Saturday 1st December with the ladies of the Inner Wheel of Rayleigh Mill’s Christmas Party at Ashingdon Village Hall where the sell-out crowd had a lively evening dancing to the 60’s and 70’s music of Wheelz.

The Rotary Club’s Christmas Dinner Dance was, this year, was held at the Arlington Rooms where the members of the club joined other parties to enjoy an excellent meal and dancing to the resident DJ until the early hours of the morning.

Our charitable activities may have taken a bit of a back seat this month but several of our members still found time to distribute Dictionaries for Life to all 6th Year pupils at all of the 14 primary schools on the Rayleigh, Hockley and Hullbridge area.

The members of the club look forward with renewed vigour to the New Year, enjoying our many social events and charitable projects.

If you are interested in learning about the many things that we do in the local community and the social events that we enjoy within the club see our website at www. rayleighmillrotary.org.uk

RAYLEIGH LIONS CLUB The Lions Club of Rayleigh is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and our primary aim is to raise and distribute funds within out local area.

The Lions Club Of Rayleigh was chartered in 1974 and serves the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford areas. Our club is a Voluntary Service Organisation and a registered charity, we are always looking for people willing to help make their community a better place to live.

By visiting our website, you will be able to find out about the work of the international organisation of Lions and the Lions Club of Rayleigh in particular, including our activities and also details of forthcoming events, and who to contact for further information.

Our club meets on the 1st (business) & 3rd (social) Tuesdays in every month in Rayleigh.

Guests are always welcome. http://www.rayleighlions.org.uk

20

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Mondays at 9.30 & 11.15am Mill Hall Bellingham Lane Ann 07889 908 411

Wednesdays at 5.15 & 7.15pm Downhall Primary School Brooklyn Drive Lewis 07971 704554

Mondays at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Rayleigh Methodist Church Eastwood Road Jo 07949 040 711

Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.15pm Cedar Hall School Hart Road Ann 07889 908 411

Tuesdays at 7.30pm Rayleigh Methodist Church Eastwood Road Jo 07949 040 711

Thursdays 7.30pm St Michael’s Church Sir Walter Raleigh Drive Jenna 07533 810194

Tuesdays at 5.30pm & 7.00pm Hadleigh Infant School Bilton Road Ann 07889 908 411

Saturdays 8.00 & 10.00am St Michael’s Church Sir Walter Raleigh Drive Hollie 07889 661790

Tuesdays at 7.30pm Hockley Public Hall Bullwood Road Jenna 07533 810194 Wednesdays at 9.30am Rayleigh Megacentre Brook Road Jo 07949 040 711

Belvedere Jazz & Music Club 6th February - 8pm -10:30pm.

The Mick Foster Quartet

from 7.00 p.m,. – 9.00 p.m. There is ample free parking. For further details please contact Lyn on 07387 805406 or email lyn-currie@hotmail.co.uk

The World Day Of Prayer Service The world day of prayer service this year is to be held at our lady of ransom catholic church, london hill, rayleigh, SS6 7HP on Friday 1st march at 1.30Pm there is parking at the rear of the church.

Admission £12.50 ~ Meals Available This service is for everyone, - ladies and www.belvederejazz.co.uk Tel: 07850 607075 or email: belvederejazz@gmail.com gentlemen, and takes the form of a service of thanksgiving, hymns, prayers and narration from The Chichester Hotel, Old London Road, the women of slovenia. It usually lasts for about 1 Rawreth, SS11 8UE hour. After the service we meet together with tea/ coffee and cake. Please come.

Gone Too Soon – Monday 18th February Bereavement Support for Parents who have lost Please feel free to join us. If you would like more a Son or Daughter, all ages. Monthly meetings information please contact penny gendall on are held on the third Monday of each month, at 01268 750324 or phg7782@gmail.Com Reids, 66-68 Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD 13th February - 8pm -10:30pm.

International Singing Star: Peter Grant Admission £15

If you would like to promote your club or event then please email a maximum of 70 words to admin@aroundtownmagazines.co.uk or fill in the form on our website www.aroundtownmagazines.co.uk Please ensure that all contact details are included.

USEFUL NUMBERS

BIRTH, DEATH MARRIAGES REGISTRATION

01268 361350 01268 361351

POLICE Rayleigh Police Station

0300 333 4444

HOSPITALS Brentwood Hospital Basildon Hospital Broomfield Hospital Essex Nuffield Hospital Queen’s Romford Southend Hospital Spire Hartswood Hospital

01277 695000 01268 524900 01245 443673 08453 143350 0845 1304204 01702 435555 01277 232525

HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Childline DIAL Disability Helpline Drugline Essex In Focus (family disabilities support)

Narcotics Anonymous NHS non-emergency Parentline Samaritans S. Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre Victim Support Essex Women’s Refuge

22

CHEMISTS Boots the Chemist, Rayleigh 01268 771883 Audley Mills, Rayleigh

01268 776479

Lloyds Pharmacy, Rayleigh

01268 771703

Grange Pharmacy, Rayleigh 01268 784192 Hambro, Rayleigh

01268 781623

Yardley Chemist

01268 743283

BLOOD TEST 01245 256147 0800 11 11 11 01268 294400/1 01708 749151 01245 353575 0300 9991212 111 0808 8002222 116 123 01375 380609 0845 4565995 01268 541140

Booking Line

01702 746511

ROAD & TRAVEL UPDATES Essex Travel www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/essex COUNCILS Rochford District Council

01702 546366

Rayleigh Town Council

01268 741880

TRANSPORT Bus Service

0870 6082608

Rail Service

08457 484950

TAXIS Rayleigh Taxi Bestax Abba Cars Cab Call Cab 24/7

01268 531888 01268 777300 01268 771666 01268 777300 01268 778877

UTILITIES Anglian Water 0345 145145 Electricity – Power Supply Problems 0800 7838838 Gas – Urgent Calls / Gas Escapes 0800 111999 Minicom – Transco 0800 371787 Thames Water (Supply or Wastewater Services) 0845 9200800 Three Valleys Water 0345 823333 Water – Essex & Suffolk Water 01245 491234 VETS YourVets Vets4Pets Rochford Veterinary Surgery Downes Vets Medivet LIBRARIES Rayleigh

01268 745180 01268 772283 01702 545558 01268 776883 01702 413902

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